Bioptic Checkout Scanner With Side Reader for Customer Self-Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bi-optical workstations in retail environments are underutilized due to their design, where the upright window faces the clerk, preventing customers from accessing and using the scanner, thus limiting self-service options and increasing operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A supplemental customer-operated accessory reader with a side-mounted accessory window is integrated into the workstation, allowing customers to independently scan items, including those on smartphones, loyalty cards, and coupons, reducing reliance on clerks and enhancing privacy and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the upright window faces the clerk in bi-optical workstations, then the clerk can operate the scanner, but customers cannot access the scanner for self-service
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the workstation into two distinct scanning interfaces: a traditional upright window for clerk operation and a supplemental side-mounted window for customer self-service. This segmentation allows each window to serve its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction by enabling customer access without compromising the existing clerk operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The workstation is enhanced to perform multiple functions by incorporating both clerk-operated and customer-operated scanning capabilities within a single integrated system. The supplemental reader and side window add self-service functionality while the main upright window retains traditional scanning capability, making the workstation universal in serving both user types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a supplemental customer-operated accessory reader is integrated into the workstation, then customer self-service capability is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supplemental customer-operated accessory reader is integrated and merged with the existing bi-optical workstation structure. The side-mounted window is positioned adjacent to the upright window, and both readers are incorporated into the same housing, creating a unified multi-functional device that enables self-service without requiring a completely separate system.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding complexity in the vertical dimension by modifying the upright window, the patent introduces a new scanning interface in the horizontal dimension through the side-mounted window. This dimensional approach allows customer self-service capability to be added without interfering with the existing vertical upright window configuration for clerk operation.
3Productivity
If customers can independently scan items, then labor costs are reduced, but data privacy and security concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables customers to independently scan their own items using the supplemental reader and side-mounted window, eliminating the need for clerk assistance in the scanning process. This self-service capability increases checkout efficiency and reduces labor requirements, while customers maintain control over their own data and items throughout the scanning process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables customer participation in the checkout process, increases the utilization of bi-optical workstations, reduces labor costs, and addresses concerns about data privacy and security by allowing customers to handle sensitive information themselves.
Implementation Method 1
capturing return light scattered and/or reflected from a target being imaged through a respective window
Implementation Method 2
capturing return light scattered and/or reflected from a target being imaged through a respective window
Implementation Method 3
Each imager has a one- or two-dimensional array of photocells or light sensors (also known as pixels), and an imaging lens assembly for capturing return light
Implementation Method 4
a laser for emitting a laser beam at a mirrored component mounted on a shaft for rotation by a motor about an axis
Implementation Method 5
the laser beam is successively reflected onto the stationary mirrors for reflection therefrom through the respective window as a scan pattern of the laser scan lines
Data Source
AI summary
A checkout system includes a workstation having a first workstation window located in a generally horizontal plane and a second workstation window located in a generally upright plane. The workstation includes a data capture arrangement for capturing through at least one of the workstation windows target data of targets associated with the products. The workstation also includes a rear cover having a first opening and a second opening. The first opening and the second opening are located on opposite side-walls of the rear cover and substantially identical in size. The first opening allows light from additional targets entering an accessory reader from an accessory window facing the bagging area, but the second opening is covered by a side cover.